Housing Allowance for expat - QP subsidiary
Just wondering,
As a Senior Business Analyst, establishing new joint venture companies, reporting to the CEO, CFO and Board of Directors, is it reasonable to negotiate the following:
I have a fairly high standard of living in Canada, living in a 4000 sq.ft. home as well as driving a Lexus LX570, etc...
Can employers offers allowances that will help me maintain similar conditions of home living?
How about car? Do employers offer company car? Especially I will need to drive 40km (one way) a day... I hate to put so much mileage on personal car... Is it reasonable for employers to offers such vehicle.
Sincerely,
For sure, I am not one to sell for rags... Be sure of that. I have already told them off, not interested... because I did not like the job title. But, they gave me the opportunity to reconsider on the grounds that I will be involved only with the CEO/CFO and board of directors, overseeing all aspect of this new joint venture financial departments and strategic development.
The CEO, actually came to Dubai, asking to meet me again to reconsider. But he did not want to spill the beans about salary, etc, that is a matter of HR.
Basically, this job is to lookout at the interest of Qatari's in a venture with TOTAL. I am not sure if I am allowed to disclosed this much because it is not yet release... I do not know anyone there, and not in a rush to sell my services for cheap.
I have this take it of leave it attitude. I hope this strategy works.
Oh, yes, you're an expat. But the negotiations sometimes get stalled in "this is what we offer in these circumstances for this position." Fortunately you can take it or leave it. Don't compromise, that's a slippery slope as many have found out! Your only negotiating power is NOW. I just don't know your company, is there anyone you know working there? Try to find out the name of the place they want to provide you with. I've just seen so many expats who are miserable with their housing. I was almost one of them but it worked out great (through just sheer, dumb luck.) And decide what you want. A small but very nice high-rise? A large, stand-alone villa? A condo in a compound? To reiterate, I've seen employers stick single women in not-so-great places.
Mandi
That is good info. Truly appreciate it.
I have rented my house (high end home at $4k/mth) in Calgary to a Director of Barclays Capital being relocated from NY.
Afterward, I traveled to Dubai to find for an opportunity in the region.
In this circumstance, am I still considered as an expat? Can that make a difference in negotiating a luxury home for myself?
Nadine
It was OK to tell them the basic amount of desired salary during your interview, they understand that your housing and benefits are to be on top of that. You are right, there are no stock options, pension or professional development allowances (unless you work in Education City.) There is a "gratuity" at the end of your contract that seems to be in lieu of a retirement fund. It's based on years of service. Your biggest negotiating areas will be salary and quality of housing so mention your tax liability and current living conditions. If you are a single woman, be careful - they tend to give only the amount of square foot needed per person. In other words, a family of six will be offered the big villa and you will be assigned the one-bedroom apartment. Once you are here, forget about negotiating THAT one! If they offer you a housing allowance you don't want to go below 20,000 QR.
Mandi
QL - Qatar Living
Thank you for your comments...
Indeed, I can provide with such proof of living with either pictures, land title and real estate appraisal if asked. Do you think I should volunteer such documentation during negotiation?
I know I will receive an offer, but I am not sure if they are aware of my living standards back home? I was not sure if it was appropriate to bring these issues during my interview, particularly I was being assessed on skills, etc. Now, after receiving a call to say that HR will shortly send me an offer... In a separate meeting interview, I told them I wanted x amount, but I did not state that was basic salary only...
Back in Canada, we get pension plan, stock option, bonus and all, professional development and professional membership fees paid for... In Qatar, these benefits seems to be nonexistent...Are Qatari employers (Governmental) reasonable understanding negotiators?
What are pay grades for such level position in Qatar, Senior Business Analyst reporting directly to CEO/CFO and acting as the eye for stakeholders in joint ventures? What should I be expecting in this offer?
What is QL?
Sincerely,
During your interview it is reasonable to be shown your accomodation and/or asked to choose where you'd like to live. Generally one is offered a transportation allowance or an interest-free car loan. You may want to insist on the former about accomodations. At least ask for pictures and a location. QL can help you evaluate your villa/flat from Canada.
Mandi
Ask, and you'll be given.